Bayawan city: Nine individuals, including the driver, died after a local government-owned truck they were riding fell off a ravine in Barangay Kalamtukan, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

According to Philippines News Agency, Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), stated in an interview that the truck was delivering oil and gasoline to the mountains for some government vehicles. The truck originated from Barangay Manduao and was traveling through Sitio Mansintak, Barangay Kalamtukan, when its brakes malfunctioned. This mechanical failure led to the vehicle losing control, overshooting the road, and ultimately plunging off the cliff into a river.

The exact number of occupants in the truck has not been immediately determined, but nine fatalities have been confirmed. Initial identification lists the deceased as truck driver Egmedio Arnaiz, Diomedes Canoy, Kervin Andog, Larry Llamos, Ronel Cabasag, Jonathan Hamor, Jovanie Babor, Jonaryl Caguisa, and Warren Ase±as, all employees of the Bayawan City Local Government Unit.

The victims were transported to Kalumboyan Hospital for treatment but were declared dead upon arrival.